Export Support for Donetsk-based Companies was Discussed at VEB.RF and Development Institutions Day in the DPR

The integration of the Donetsk People's Republic into international trade chains and support for local manufacturers were discussed at the business forum VEB.RF and Development Institutions Day in the DPR. The event brought together representatives of the regional government, VEB.RF Group, Russian Export Center (REC), SME Corporation, and the Industrial Development Fund. Between 2023 and 2026, REC's engagement with the region has evolved from ad hoc consultations to a full-scale ecosystem. Forty unique exporters in the republic have already received support from the REC Group, with over 190 services provided. Export support exceeded 900 million rubles. "REC has built a seamless ecosystem of interaction with Donetsk-based companies through My Export digital platform and the regional Export Support Center. We see that DPR companies are actively seeking their niches in new markets. The top requests are for buyer searches, negotiation support, and international consultations, including on technical regulations," Sergey Agayev, Head of Regional Business Development, REC. The distribution of confectionery companies from the republic has been a particular success. Their products are already being promoted through Russian national pavilions abroad and national stores on international marketplaces. Furthermore, three companies from the DPR have successfully certified under the Made in Russia. The Donetsk event program covered all key aspects of business development. The focus was on financing instruments for new production and support measures provided by development institutions. A consultation stands for DPR entrepreneurs wishing to launch export operations allowed them to discuss their projects with a REC expert in a one-stop shop mode. Federal experts also visited region's largest companies—Donetsk Reinforced Concrete Company, Donfrost refrigeration equipment manufacturer, and Erlight, a plant that manufactures conveyor belts for various industries. This synergy of development institutions allows the Republic not only to develop production, but also to expand its presence in international markets, relying on modern digital services and state guarantees. Russian Export Center (REC, VEB.RF Group) is a government institution that supports non-resource, non-energy export. It provides companies from various industries with both financial and non-financial assistance at all stages of entering international markets, including as part of the International Cooperation and Export national project. Most services offered by the REC Group are available online on My Export digital platform. REC is responsible for the primary functions of supporting and implementing the Made in Russia program. The REC Group includes the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR), EXIMBANK of RUSSIA, and the Export School.